Federal Flacks: Beyond The Beltway

When most people think of Federal Flacks, the image of bureaucrats in big office buildings in Washington, DC immediately comes to mind.  In reality, there are a good number of government communications jobs located outside the Washington, DC Beltway.

Let’s shine the spotlight on a few recent vacancies:

• GS 12 public affairs specialist with the Veterans Health Administration in San Juan, Puerto Rico.
• GS 13 Regional Communications Director for the Small Business Administration in King of Prussia, PA.
• GS 12-13 public affairs specialist with the U.S. Attorney’s Office in Alexandria, VA (technically inside the Beltway).

Veterans Health Administration GS-12 Public Affairs Specialist

This position is located at the Veterans Affairs Caribbean Healthcare System – San Juan, PR.  The system serves 150,000 veterans in Puerto Rico and the U.S. Virgin Islands.  According to the vacancy announcement, “the goal of the position is to increase internal and external awareness of VA programs, services, special events and projects, technologies, personnel, and research accomplishments.”

The public affairs specialist will:

• Establish and maintain proactive contacts with media outlets, legislative offices, veteran service organizations, and health care affiliates. 
• Advise senior level management on development of media campaigns and communication plans and strategies.
• Plan, develop, and produce a variety of materials and publications including news releases, radio and television scripts, briefing packages and slide presentations for Congressional staff and public organizations.
• Represent the facility at public, civic and social events.
• Plan and execute special events.

Not surprisingly, applicants must possess the ability to speak and write fluently and proficiently in both Spanish and English in order to receive consideration for this position.  The position closed on March 6, but you can still review the vacancy announcement.

GS 13 Regional Communications Director: Small Business Administration

This position is located at the Small Business Administration’s regional office in King of Prussia, PA. 

SBA regional offices work to advocate and accelerate economic development, growth and competitiveness withing their geographic area.  This support includes business training, counseling and other services for small business owners. 

The regional communications director:

• Trains regional public information officers.
• Works with Chambers of Commerce, civic organizations, professional and trade associations, major colleges and universities, and state and local government agencies.
• Gives oral presentations to industry and banking organizations.

This position closes March 13.  View the vacancy announcement.  

GS 12-13 Public Affairs Specialist: U.S. Attorney’s Office in Alexandria, VA

Located within sight of the Washington Beltway, the U.S. Attorney’s Office for the Eastern District of Virginia is one of the highest-profile USAOs.

The Public Affairs Officer is responsible for planning, coordinating, and disseminating public information inside the district and beyond; maintaining internal communications; and undertaking studies of issues of concern to the U.S. Attorney's Office.  Once criminal cases investigated by Federal law enforcement agencies are accepted for prosecution by a U.S. Attorney, the USAO public affairs officer becomes the source of information about the cases.  The information is generally provided through press releases, which are based on publicly-released court records.

In addition to media relations duties, the public affairs officer is responsible for:

• Maintaining the office’s web site.
• Maintaining relations with counterparts in other Federal, state and local law enforcement agencies.
• Planning news conferences and preparing officials to participate in them.

The position closes March 15. View the vacancy announcement.